Paper 2 Flashcards
Q: What is a key quote by Hitler about popular movements?
A: “All great movements are popular sentiments, volcanic eruptions of human passions… Stirred either by the cruel goddess of distress or by the firebrand of the world hurled amongst the masses.”
Q: How did economic conditions affect the rise of the Nazi Party?
A: “Only when things go economically wrong for Germany did the Nazi Party flourish and vice-versa.” - Alfred Sohn-Rethel. “It was the Great Depression that put the wind in the sails of National Socialism.” - A.I.P. Taylor.
Q: How did Ian Kershaw describe Hitler’s political context?
A: “Hitler’s only hope was a massive and comprehensive ‘Crisis of the state.’”
Q: What were the economic crises faced by Germany?
A:
1923 Hyperinflation Crisis (Ruhr)
1929 Great Depression
1929: 2 million unemployed
1931: 6 million unemployed
1932: 1/3 of Germans had no stable income
Q: What were the political consequences of economic crises?
A: Political crisis under Bruning, who ruled by presidential decree (Article 48), led to lowered government spending and collapsed prices and wages.
Q: How did Nazi votes change during the economic crisis?
A:
1928: 2.6%
1930: 18.3%
July 1932: 37.8% (largest party in Reichstag)
November 1932: 33.1%
Q: Why did people turn to the Nazis during the economic crisis?
A: The Nazis capitalized on the crisis by offering law and order, dynamism, national glory, and presenting Hitler as a messianic figure.
Q: What was the significance of Article 48?
A: It allowed the President to rule by decree, bypassing democratic processes, contributing to the loss of faith in the political system
Q: How did social divisions manifest during the rise of the Nazis?
A: Antisemitism was prevalent, scapegoating Jews as usurers and linking them to economic crises and Bolshevism.
Q: What was Hitler’s view on history and race?
A: Hitler believed history was propelled by a battle of races and described Jews and Slavs as “Untermenschen” (sub-humans).
Q: How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany?
A: The German reaction to Versailles contributed to Hitler’s rise, as he promised to revise the unfavorable terms.
Q: What was Allan Bullock’s perspective on Hitler’s rise to power?
A: “Hitler came to office…as the result, not…of a popular victory at the polls…but a shoddy political deal.”
Q: What was the Enabling Act?
A: Passed on March 23, 1933, it allowed the Reich government to issue laws without the consent of parliament, laying the groundwork for the Nazification of German society.
Q: What was the goal of the Volksgemeinschaft?
A: The aim was to create a unified community based on racial purity and national solidarity.
Q: What were the key aims of Nazi economic policy?
A: Economic recovery, establishing a war economy (Wehrwirtschaft), and autarky (self-sufficiency).
Q: Describe the three main phases of Nazi economic policy.
A:
1933-36: Leadership of Hjalmar Schacht focusing on deficit spending and public works.
1936-42: Limited war economy under Hermann Göring.
1942/43-45: Total war economy led by Albert Speer.
Q: What was the purpose of Gleichschaltung?
A: It aimed to coordinate all aspects of the German state under Nazi control, effectively Nazifying institutions.
Q: How did the Nazis control education and youth?
A: Through indoctrination, curriculum changes, and establishing youth organizations for boys and girls.
Q: What was the Nazi approach to religion?
A: Control over Catholic and Protestant churches and collaboration with the German Christian movement.
Q: How were women treated under Nazi policies?
A: They were encouraged to adhere to traditional roles, focused on family and church, with varying treatment based on race.
Q: How did the Nazis utilize art for propaganda?
A: They organized exhibitions to promote “Aryan” art while denouncing “degenerate art” and utilized media like posters, films, and radio.
Q: Who were considered minorities under Nazi rule?
A: Jewish people, the asocial, disabled individuals, Roma-Sinti, and Jehovah’s Witnesses faced persecution.
Q: How did Hitler consolidate power after becoming Chancellor?
A: He used a combination of legal methods, force, charismatic leadership, and propaganda, culminating in the Gleichschaltung process.
Q: What was the significance of the Reichstag Fire?
A: It allowed Hitler to enact the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State, removing civil liberties and targeting communists.
Q: What was the outcome of the March 1933 elections for the Nazis?
A: They increased their seats to 288 but only secured 44% of the vote.
Q: What did the Enabling Act signify for the Reichstag?
A: It effectively voted itself out of power, allowing Hitler to govern without parliamentary approval.
Q: What was the Night of the Long Knives?
A: A purge on June 30, 1934, where Hitler eliminated the SA leadership and other political opponents to consolidate his power.
Q: How did Nazi propaganda reinforce Hitler’s image?
A: Through organized events like the Day of Potsdam and media control, portraying Hitler as a savior of Germany.
Q: How did Hitler establish himself as the Fuhrer?
A: He combined the offices of President and Chancellor after Hindenburg’s death, securing total control over the German state.
